Full Circle

This week was a head-spin! We worked hard in helping Amanda conceptualize a lesson that would be fruitful in learning a new technique in markmaking, but that wouldn't be too over-the-top for a final lesson (especially coming off a two-week break). It was a very successful lesson.

We learned about composition and the different techniques that add to creating a successful composition: symmetry, asymmetry, repetition, run-off, overlap, etc. Then, Amanda showed a video on light art. Next, we broke into stations to create several different works of art and critique what we've done the past 9 weeks.

I worked with the station that involved critique and having students choose which artwork they would like to see in the exhibition. This was interesting for me because I enjoy hearing students talk about their artwork as well as assess them based on what they say in discussing each others' work. I was thrilled that a lot of the students used vocabulary that has been introduced since the first week in the classroom! Students chose their "favorite," which would represent their best work, plus two additional pieces that they felt showed their best artistic skills. The rest of the artwork was placed into individual portfolios, which made students even prouder -- having that "real artist" feeling because they had a solid portfolio was really an excellent way to boost their confidence in art. After each selected their favorite piece, we discussed it in groups of 6. This went beyond asking "Why is this a good piece?". Students were eager to share what they thought their peers had done well in their work, which was nice to see. Even better, many of the reasons involved key terms, such as "texture," "pattern," "value," and "color."

Because the students soaked up this terminology, I feel it is important to create a worksheet for them to take home after the exhibition. This worksheet will list all of the vocabulary that we have learned about this semester, possibly with examples and definitions. I think it is necessary to encourage the students in their quest for learning art, beyond the construction paper projects that so many are forced to participate in in their public schooling. It shows how much students are capable of, and that is really important and encouraging for a future educator!